EPCH Pavilion Showcases Indian Craftsmanship for the Hospitality Sector at India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2026)

Delhi/NCR, 05th August 2026: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), through its dedicated EPCH Pavilion is showcasing an exclusive range of handcrafted products tailored for the hospitality and HORECA sectors at the 9th edition of the India International Hospitality Expo (IHE 2026), being held from 5th to 8th August 2026 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

The EPCH Pavilion was inaugurated by Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH in the august presence of Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML and Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH along with prominent member exporters, participating artisans and representatives of the hospitality industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH, said, “The hospitality industry offers substantial opportunities for Indian handicraft manufacturers, exporters and artisans as hotels, resorts and restaurants increasingly seek distinctive, sustainable and design-led products to create memorable guest experiences. Indian craftsmanship, with its diversity of materials, techniques and regional identities, is uniquely positioned to meet the requirements of contemporary hospitality spaces.”

Dr. Khanna further said, “Through the EPCH Pavilion at IHE 2026, we are presenting the strength of Indian handicrafts in developing customised solutions for guest rooms, restaurants, lobbies, banqueting areas, wellness spaces and outdoor environments. The participation will enable our exporters and artisans to engage directly with institutional buyers and develop long-term sourcing relationships with leading hospitality brands.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director General in the role of Chief Mentor, EPCH and Chairman, IEML , said, “IHE has emerged as an important business platform connecting suppliers with the decision-makers who shape India’s rapidly expanding hospitality infrastructure. The presence of sourcing professionals, hotel owners, interior designers, architects and project consultants provides handicraft manufacturers with an opportunity to understand institutional sourcing requirements and offer innovative, customised and scalable solutions.”

He further added, “India’s hospitality industry is increasingly integrating local identity, cultural narratives and sustainable materials into property design. This creates a natural opportunity for our exporters, artisans and entrepreneurs to collaborate with hotels and restaurants on product development, interior styling and bespoke collections. By bringing handcrafted products closer to the hospitality value chain, we can generate new demand, strengthen artisan livelihoods and position Indian craftsmanship as an integral part of modern hospitality design.”

Rajesh Rawat, Executive Director, EPCH , said, “EPCH’s participation at IHE 2026 has created a direct business linkage between the handicrafts and hospitality sectors. The exhibitors are showcasing products that can be adapted in terms of dimensions, finishes, materials, colours, branding and quantities to meet the specific requirements of hotels, restaurants, resorts and catering establishments. The hospitality sector can become a significant domestic and international market for Indian handicrafts. Greater collaboration between craft enterprises and HORECA buyers will not only expand business opportunities for exporters but will also create sustained demand for artisans across major craft clusters of the country”

Rawat further said, “in this edition, 7 member exporters are participating and displaying Home Décor, Glassware, Furniture, Houseware, Carpets, Kitchenware, Household Products, Jute products etc. To promote Indian Handicrafts, EPCH has setup Thematic Display with live demonstration of Indian Traditional Crafts by Master Craftspersons / Artisans. The office of Development Commissioner [Handicrafts], Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India has deputed Master Craftspersons/ Artisans of Zari Zardozi from Agra, Folk Painting from Almora, Candle from Dehradun, Paper Mache, Fusion Craft from Delhi, Dry Flower from Gurgaon, Home Decore from Hoshiarpur, Grass Fiber Craft from Kolkata, Chickenkari from Lucknow and Doll & Toys from Prayagraj.